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car hire - getting the car you booked

  • 05-07-2010 12:26pm
    #1
    hunnymonster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,365 ✭✭✭


    Hi There, I just wanted to check with does this happen to other people.

    Almost every time I book a car, I feel like I'm given a lower class car when I arrive at the airport. For example, the last time we booked a
    "Ford mondeo or similar" and at the airport we got a fiat punto. This seems to happen to me every time. I was wondering, is there anyway to check the exact cars and what class they are in for particular car hire companies?

    Thanks


Comments

  • #2
    Ponster
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 10,912 Mod ✭✭✭✭Ponster


    I don't think that's ever happened to me but the only way to do it is to check on each companies website. For example on Europcar.

    sounds weird though as the difference between them is huge and if they don't have the one you paid for then they normally offer a free upgrade instead.


    Have you ever complained while at the rental desk ?


  • #3
    hunnymonster
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,365 ✭✭✭hunnymonster


    yeah but I only get anywhere in the USA. In europe they look at me as if I'm nuts for questioning them ;-0)


  • #4
    seamus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 68,317 ✭✭✭✭seamus


    I don't think any company will give an exhaustive list of what cars are in what class, but the class should have some defining features.

    For example, a mondeo is a four-door saloon. I would expect at the very least that you are provided with a four-door saloon at the airport, and not a 3-door or 5-door hatchback.

    However, having looked at the Hertz website as an example, the Mondeo is class D, which is listed as "Intermediate, 4-5 Door, Manual, Aircon, IDMR, 5 Passengers, 2 Large Suitcases, 2 Small Suitcase". So a large 5-door hatchback fits into this class.

    Now, I can tell you for a fact that you will *not* fit five people, 2 large suitcases and two small suitcases into a standard Punto. Maybe in a Grande Punto, I've never seen one.

    Your best bet is to make a note of the class specifications and then argue it at the counter. I too would say that I've been given an inferior vehicles most times I've booked one - but only inferior insofar as the make/model. I.e. You book a "Ford Fiesta or similar" and end up with a Punto.

    However, last time I booked a car it was for a people carrier, and because they had none free in my class, they upgraded me to a deluxe people carrier (Focus S-max) with all the trimmings, for no extra cost.


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